Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga has told off governors who held a meeting with ODM leader Raila Odinga seeking to be handed direct tickets in the next election.
Ms Odinga accused the ODM governors of over burdening the party leader with their selfish interests.
She was responding to reports that the Cord coalition governors who met Mr Odinga in Naivasha on Monday had demanded direct tickets saying they were unsure of free and fair party primaries.
PARTY STRUCTURES
But Ms Odinga has told the county bosses to instead address their grievances through party structures including the elections board.
“The party is restricting is ongoing and we have a revamped the elections board. Governors should be approaching the Judith Pareno-led team if they have issues with elections within the party and not the party leader,” said the Kisumu deputy Governor.
Ms Odinga has indicated that she would run for the governorship next year.
The governors at the Naivasha meeting included Mr Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), James Ongwae (Kisii), Wyliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Josephat Nanok (Turkana), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay) and John Mruttu (Taita Taveta).
SHOULD STOP PANICKING
“Governors should stop seeking favors and crying to the party leader every other time and instead face the electorate head on. They should not be panicking if they are sure they have performed well in their first term,” said Ms Odinga.
Ms Odinga has sought to market herself as independent, away from the Odinga family shadow.
“I have cut out my political path and I have not hanged on my brother Raila’s coat. As much as I am so close to him and can speak to him at home and not a hotel, I haven’t sought favors from my brother because I am an able leader,” she said.
-nairobinews.nation.co.ke
